Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 41

Alessia beamed as she presented a vibrant bowl of fruit salad on the dining table in front of Camilla.

However, her daughter looked unimpressed as she cast a disinterested gaze upon the colorful dish.

Noticing her daughter's lack of enthusiasm, Alessia inquired, "What's with that look?"

Camilla let out a deep sigh, feeling weary of her mother's overbearing attitude.

"Mamma, isn't it about time you go back to your husband's house?" she said, her voice tinged with annoyance as she met Alessia's gaze.

Alessia's smile vanished, replaced with a frown as she asked, "Why? So you can have the chance to get rid of my grandchild?"

Camilla, exasperated by her mother's attitude, rolled her eyes and muttered "Oh my God."

Unfazed, Alessia nodded and continued, "You may as well get used to having me around, because I'll be here until the child is born, no matter how long it takes."

Camilla's frustration with her mother's persistence mounted until she could no longer contain it.

Rising to her feet, she exclaimed, "You don't have to keep pushing this issue, because I've already told you that I'm not having this baby, and nobody can make me."

"I'm an adult, and I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I just wish you and papa would support me instead of trying to control my life."

Although her daughter's anger softened her expression, Alessia remained steadfast in her opinion.

Speaking calmly, she replied, "I understand that you're an adult and have the right to make your own decisions."

"But as your mother, I can't stay silent when I see you making choices that could hurt you in the long run. I only want what's best for you, even if you don't agree with me."

Camilla let out an exasperated scoff and spoke with an edge of anger in her voice.

"What exactly do you think is best for me? You want me to have a child that I never planned to have, with someone I'm only pretending to date?"

"Mamma, you know that's not who I am. I don't do things without a plan, and this whole Alexander situation has gone way too far. I won't let myself get any more entangled with him than I already am."

Alessia shook her head in disappointment, then walked over to Camilla and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders, giving her a gentle shake.

"I only want what's best for you, my love," Alessia began, her voice warm and sincere.

"As an only child, you've accomplished so much on your own without relying on your father and me. We're incredibly proud of your success and the life you've built for yourself. But..."

Before Alessia could finish her thought, Camilla interrupted with a sharp tone, folding her arms across her chest.

"But what you really want is for me to get married and have kids, so you and Papa can show off to your friends and business associates that you have a daughter who's both successful in the fashion industry

Alessia flinched at her daughter's words, her disappointment evident in her voice and expression. "No, no, that's not it at all," she said, shaking her head.

"I just want you to be happy and fulfilled in every aspect of your life. I know how much you've accomplished as a designer, but there's so much more to life than just work."

She smiled softly, her eyes pleading with Camilla to understand. "I want you to experience all the joys that come with building a family and creating a loving home."

"It's not about showing off to others or anything like that. It's about seeing you happy and content with your life."

Camilla sighed, her expression softening. "I appreciate your concern, Mamma, but I've already made my decision. I know what's best for me, and having a child right now is not it."

Alessia's disappointment was palpable, but she knew there was no changing her daughter's mind.

"Fine, then," she muttered, her voice heavy with sadness as she turned to leave.

Camilla felt a pang of guilt and quickly reached out to stop her mother.

She took Alessia's wrist gently and turned her around, seeing tears forming in her mother's eyes.

"Mamma, I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you want a grandchild, but I just can't do it now."

Alessia's face softened, and she pulled Camilla into a tight embrace. "It's okay, honey."

"I understand, and I will always support you," she said, wiping away a tear. "I just want you to be happy."

After releasing each other from the embrace, Alessia smiled at Camilla before walking upstairs to her room.

Camilla watched her mother disappear from sight and then made her way to the living room where she sank onto the couch with a deep sigh.

Exhaustion quickly overtook her, and she drifted off into a light sleep.

Moments later, Camilla was awoken by the gentle voice of her housekeeper, Lily, calling out to her.

"Ma'am...ma'am," Lily said softly. Camilla opened one eye and groaned, feeling disoriented and still tired.

"Go away, Lily." Camilla grumbled and turned away from Lily, who looked at her sympathetically.

"Ma'am, you really need to wake up," Lily said, trying to get her attention. "You have a guest."

With a sigh, Camilla sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Who is it?" she muttered, reluctantly opening her eyes to see an elderly woman with a white cane smiling at her.

"Hello, Camilla. You have a lovely home," Harriet said, her voice filled with appreciation as she looked around.

Camilla quickly got up, embarrassed by her disheveled appearance. "Ma...you're here?" she said in disbelief, trying to adjust her dress to look presentable for her unexpected guest.

Harriet nodded. "Yes, I am. And I wanted to visit to see how you're doing," she explained with a smile.

Camilla shot Lily a quick glance, silently questioning why she hadn't informed her of Harriet's arrival before allowing the old woman to see her in such a disheveled state.

She then turned back to Harriet, flashing a sheepish smile. "Of course. Please have a seat," she gestured to one of the couches, and Harriet obliged.

Still feeling embarrassed, Camilla tried to cover it up. "Can I get you something to drink, ma'am? We have water, wine, orange juice..." she trailed off, listing off different options.

Harriet chuckled, amused by Camilla's flustered state.

"Tea would be fine, dear. Thank you," she said politely. Camilla gave her a small nod, expecting Lily to leave to make the tea.

However, seeing that Lily seemed momentarily distracted, Camilla nudged her slightly.

Lily snapped out of her reverie. "Oh, right," she said, turning to Harriet. "My apologies, ma'am. How would you prefer your tea?"

Harriet's smile radiated warmth as she spoke, "I'm a simple woman, dear. Just plain black tea with a splash of milk, please. No sugar."

"Of course, ma'am," the young lady nodded. "Would you like anything to go with your tea? Biscuits or scones, perhaps?"

Harriet's grin widened, "A biscuit or two would be lovely, dear."

"Very well, I'll be right back with your tea and biscuits," the young lady said before turning to prepare Harriet's order.

Once Lily had left, Camilla took a deep breath before nervously sitting down, trying to gather her thoughts before speaking.

"I'm so sorry for my appearance. I wasn't expecting you to visit me at home today," she said after a few moments of silence.

Harriet smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling. "Oh no, there's absolutely no need for you to apologize. You look fabulous!"

"As a matter of fact, I should be the one apologizing for showing up unannounced at your home," she said, her tone warm and reassuring.

Camilla exhaled, feeling relieved at Harriet's words. She wasn't sure what to say next, but sensing her discomfort, Harriet decided to break the ice.

"Well... I'm sure you must be wondering if my presence here has something to do with Alexander and the child you're carrying?" she asked, raising a brow.

Camilla bit her lower lips and nodded. "Yes, but I was also wondering how you found out where I lived," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harriet chuckled softly, charmed by Camilla's seemingly naive response to her question, and just then, Lily entered the room with a steaming tea on a serving tray and a plate of biscuits.

Lily presented the steaming tea to Harriet with a curtsey, and Harriet responded with a grateful smile as Lily left the living room.